C H A P T E R
T W O

        "Is it normal to be nervous?" Ahmad asked pacing the room as he loosened his tie trying to calm down.

"Yes it is very normal. I was nervous the day I married your mother too." Aaron told him handing him a drink. "I don't know anybody who wasn't nervous at their own wedding to be honest."

"...but what if she walks down the aisle and realizes this isn't what she wants anymore?" Chugging down the drink, he asked for another one. "I don't want to lose her," He mumbled letting his emotions get the best of him.

They had less than an hour until the wedding officially started and Ahmad was losing his shit by letting his fears and worry take over. He thought today was going to be easy since they mastered two years together but now he was having doubts. He loved Cali more than anything and wanted to give her the world but he was more so worried that she would switch up and not want to do this anymore.

He knew he was alot to handle at times but prayed she wouldn't start to regret anything.

Grabbing him by the shoulders, Aaron stopped his son from having a panic attack. "Relax. Take a deep breath and calm the hell down. You talking crazy now."

"Yeah man, you know damn well Cali ain't finna leave you and I ain't get all dressed up and spent a lot of money on this damn suit for nothing, its gon' be a wedding today regardless." Marcus spat handing him another drink.

Taking a seat in one of the chairs, he watched as his groomsmen did their ties, then looked over at his sons who were playing as his foot tapped against the floor with his hands getting all sweaty and clamy.

"Just relax bro, you overthinking everything when it ain't that deep." Shaun commented putting on his shoes.

"I need to smoke something real quick.."

Aaron frowned, "Yeah so you can be stoned at your wedding? Better take a nap and call it a damn day." Aaron stated sternly. "Now look we get it, you scared .. we all get scared but you need to get it together. You wouldn't have even asked Cali to marry you if you felt she wasn't ready so relax."

Derek and the other guys were laughing to themselves. "Ahmad, if Cali didn't want to marry you we would not be here right now..just chill we all know you guys are crazy over each other." Amir said patting his shoulder before walking out to go sit people since he was an Usher.

A light knock at the door alerted everybody but Ahmad stayed seated feeling as if he was going to faint any minute. Aaron walked over to the door then opened it to see his granddaughter Armoni dressed in her flower girl dress looking beautiful as ever. "..hi pop pop, my deddy in here?" She asked hugging his leg.

Opening the door wider so she could see Ahmad, she took off running towards him as he was already bent down ready to lift her up. "Whatchu doing in her bug?" He asked kissing her cheek, seeing her did kinda ease his mind.

"Mommy wun' me ta' says dat she loves you berry much, and ta' not worry." Ahmad instantly smiled hating how well she knew him.

During the course of them being engaged, Ahmad loved reassurance and Cali picked up on that.. he always wanted to know how she felt about everything so he would know if he needed to improve in something, each day he was trying to be a better man than the man he was the day before.

Even though they have been together for sometime now, Ahmad still fet the need to impress her as if he just met her. And Cali knew that today Ahmad would let those negative thoughts overpower his mind and had to remind him that she loved only him and that it would never change.

"Well can you tell mama that daddy loves her just as much for me." Nodding her head, she kissed his cheek then hopped down off his lap and skipped out of the room.

Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes sending a quick prayer to the lord then stood up to finish getting ready. "You got this man, today you are marrying your soulmate, the love of your life and the woman who will forever ride for you." He told himself.

        Across the building, Cali was literally in panic mode as well. "The dress isn't fitting me right, I look like a whale." She cried. "He's gonna think I look hideous."

Ashley sighed, "Cali sweetie, you look fine. The dress looks beautiful on you .. now dry those tears before you ruin your make-up." She snapped.

The dress in fact looked amazing on Cali but she was letting her insecurities get the best of her today. She wasn't nervous at all today until their wedding planner entered the room telling her that they would be starting in less than an hour.

It was as if reality kicked in and she started to question everything. She felt Ahmad was too good of a man, and started to think he deserved better than her. But in reality there wasn't anything or anyone better out there for Ahmad besides Cali and deep down they both knew that.

All her bridesmaids were dressed and ready, they were just waiting on the bride to get it together. She fanned herself as Alisha touched up on her hair exhuasted from how many hairstyles they have done in just an hour. "Do you like your hair now?" Alisha asked in hopes she said yes, all she did was redo the first hairstyle Cali had picked out and added accessories.

Cali looked at herself in the mirror and slowly nodded. "Yes, I love it .. but do you think Ahmad is going to love it?"

Alisha squatted down beside her grabbing her hands, "Listen to me Cali, Ahmad is going to love everything about you today. You look beautiful and I'm going to need you to feel beautiful. Today is your wedding day, the day you finally become Mrs. Sinclair, the day both of you guys have waited and planned for. Wipe your eyes and hold your head up high, this is you and Ahmad's moment .. you know that man loves the ground you walk on and the air you breath so get it together sis and getcho ass up and get ready to walk down this aisle so you can be with your man."

Wiping away the tears that had fell during her speech, Cali hugged Alisha tightly. "Thanks, I really needed to hear that."

"As women we sometimes lose our heads but thats what bestfriends are for to help keep them in line and get em back on track."

"I love you and again thank you for being my maid of honor .. none of this would have been possible without you."

"I love you too and thank you for picking me." Hugging one last time, Alisha helped her touch up on her make up since her tear stains kinda ruined it.

When she was finally ready, she took a deep breath walking out the room. "Ready to get married?" Chris asked latching her arm into his since he would be the one to give her away today since their parents weren't in attendance.

"Scared but ready,"

          The instrumental to Stairway to Heaven by The Ojays began to play letting Ahmad know he could walk out and was followed by his ushers Dave and Amir.

He walked down the aisle slowly as he waved and smiled at his family and friends. He looked around at the purple, black and white decorated venue, then looked straight ahead at the pastor who stood there dressed in all white.

Ahmad was wearing black slacks with a black vest and a white suit jacket with a purple rose in the pocket and all black loafers to match his vest and pants.

When he finally made it to the Alter he shook hands with the pastor then focused his attention back on the audience. But what touched his heart the most was when he saw a front row seat reserved for Amira with a purple rose and note card. He fought back his tears truly loving how Amazing Cali was to make a special place for Amira even though she couldn't be here today to share this moment with everybody else.

Marcus soon walked out by himself walking like a pimp and waving at the folks he passed. A few people laughed at his extraness and shook their heads. Getting into place standing next to Ahmad, he patted his brother shoulder then watched as Shaun and Kamry made their way down the aisle.

He bit his lip at how good she looked in the dress since it hugged all the right places on her body. He knew his girl was beautiful and had to give thanks to the homie God for sending her his way when he was at his lowest point of wanting to give up.

The bridemaid dresses were a shade of dark purple with sleeves that hung off the shoulders, and with a split going up the leg on the right side of the dress. When Cali and her girls all went dress shopping when she saw those and saw how they all looked in them she instantly fell in love.

The flowers each bridemaid held were a mixture of purple, white and black roses designed by Ashley herself.

When Hazel and Derek made their way down the aisle both Ahmad and Cali got nervous since they knew she would be walking out soon.

Alisha then walked out her dress being a little different due to her being the maid of honor but Shaun was loving the way she strutted down the aisle not even looking like she had dropped a child. Talk about snap back.

Marquette and Adrian then walked down the aisle carrying the broom they would jump over at the end, and the rings. Ahmad smiled at his boys loving how handsome they looked in their suits as they stood directly in front of him.

Kissing both their heads, he smiled resting his hands on their shoulders as he focused back on what was going on.

When Armoni came walking out, Ahmad stood up straight and cleared his throat watching her throw down the purple and white rose petals. "Hi daddy," She waved causing everyone to laugh and smile.

"Hi baby," He waved back laughing.

Continuing to throw the flowers down, everybody stood to their feet when the song changed to I'm Gonna Make You My Wife by The Whispers to get ready for Cali.

🎶I'm gonna make you my wife, 'Cause you're my everything All my hopes and dreams come true..I can live my life with you..🎶

Cali soon came into view and everyone gasped and gawked over her dress and how good she looked in it. The dress was an all white shear long sleeve ball gown wedding dress, that she looked stunning in.

Ahmad instantly started to tear up at how beautiful she was. When Cali saw his tears she soon started to cry herself. Looking down he held the bridge of his nose trying to control his emotions but words couldn't express how much he loved this woman.

Marcus patted his back trying not to cry himself. Alisha gave no fucks she was balling staring at her bestfriend walk down the aisle.

Ahmad just couldn't believe he found someone that loved him passed his flaws and hardships. When she finally reached the alter he tried wiping his tears but they just kept falling.

🎶Cross my heart and hope to die, if I ever make you cry. May I feel the pain that you feel inside.., take the blame if our love should die..🎶

"Welcome everybody who showed up today for the bride and groom Aubrey Brown and Ahmad Sinclair. Let's have a word of prayer please," The pastor spoke up as the music died down.

Everyone closed their eyes and bowed their heads, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God, and in the presence of family and friends to join together this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony, which is commended of St. Paul to be an honorable estate, instituted of God and therefore is not to be entered into unadvisedly or carelessly, but reverently, joyfully and in the love of God. Into this holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined."

Smiling he opened his eyes, "Who gives this bride to this groom in marriage?" He asked.

"I do," Chris answered.

Taking Cali's right hand, he placed it in Ahmad's left hand as Chris went and took his seat next to Aaron and Ashley after he gave Cali a kiss on the cheek.

"Jesus Christ Reminds us, that at the beginning the Creator made us male and female , and said, For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh. God loved us, and created us to love others. Our lives find completion only as we love and are loved in return. Together, we can become what we could never be separately. Marriage is of God." He spoke.

"Reading from First Corinthians, chapter thirteen, verses four through eight."

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

Clearing his throat he grabbed both of their hands, "Aubrey Calieen Brown and Ahmad Hassan Sinclair come today desiring to be united in this sacred relationship."

Cali wiped her tears as the smile on her face never left. She still couldn't believe that she was getting married. Of course she had always dreamed of being married but this still felt like a dream. Reaching her hand over she wiped away the tears on his face, whispering. "I love you," as he said it back.

"Let us pray," The pastor announced.

Everybody joined hands, "O' Almighty God you have created us all in the image of Love, the image of Yourself. Bless now these two who stand before you. Guide them in your wisdom, shine your light upon them, that as they journey through this life together they will walk as bearers of your Truth. Amen."

"Amen,"

"Please join hands," Handing her bouqet off to Alisha she turned back to face Ahmad grabbing his shaky hands. "The bride and groom have written their own vows, Ahmad you may speak first." Taking a small step back, he closed his bible and watched as Ahmad pulled out a piece of paper from out of pocket.

Clearing his throat he chuckled a little, "I ain't even gon' front and say I'm not nervous .." He started off making everyone laugh a little. "I spent many nights working on this to find the correct words to express my love for you the best way possible..so here it is.." His voice cracked a little as the waters work started.

With tears strolling down his cheeks, he looked directly at Cali as they locked eyes crying together. "As most of you know .. the old me ran away from love and never allowed myself to get attached to anyone out of fear of getting played and heart broken again. But that all changed when I met my Cali.. the love of my life." Taking a deep breath, he tried talking through his tears but it was becoming harder the longer he looked at her as he expressed his feelings towards her.

"...I'm sorry," He mumbled looking down trying to collect himself and get it together.

"It's okay baby, take your time. Love will sometimes do that to you." His Aunt Lucy said in the crowd causing everyone to nod and clap for him.

Aaron stood up from his seat and walked over to Ahmad handing him a tissue. "You got this son, love is an emotional feeling." He told him patting his back.

Once he was good, he cleared his throat again. "...She um opened my eyes and showed me a type of love no one has shown me before and that's what made me fall for her. She saw me at my lowest and helped built me back up and I bounced back ten times stronger. The love I have for this woman is unexplainable, but its a love so deep that even cupid himself gets jealous. Every morning I wake up with a smile on my face knowing that you are the person I'm waking up too.. everynight I go to sleep with joy in my heart knowing she'll be there when I wake up.." Sniffling a little, he smiled. "I love you Aubrey, and I'm standing before you today to show you how much I do. Thank you for being everything a man could ever ask for, thank you for never leaving my side and thank you for giving me the blessing of being a father, if it weren't for you .. I wouldn't be the man I am today standing here crying and expressing my love to you.. I adore you and I worship the ground you walk on and the air you breath and I want to love you forever and always."

Cali by now was full blown crying, not once letting go of his hands she leaned forward kissing his lips not caring if it was against protocol, she had to show her man some love after what the words he just said.

Pulling away, she reached up wiping his tears as he did the same for her. "I love you too," She whispered then cleared her throat to get ready to say her vows.

"The moment you came into my life, you instantly made my world better. You aren't perfect, but you try to be and that's what I love the most about you. You always go that extra mile to make sure the kids and I are in good hands. You're always there whenever I need you and I always know I can count on you to have my back through whatever." Giving his hand a light squeeze she sniffled, "Ahmad I know somedays you have a fear that one day I will be gon' but babe I promise you I am here to stay forever. I love you and only you. You are the love of my life, and the best thing that has ever happened to me. We may fuss and fight but our love for one another always remains on top and it will continue to do so. I'm willing to fight for this the whole way through, and I don't want to ever live life without you ..and I want to love you forever and always."

The pastor smiled at the two then stepped forward, "May the rings please be placed in my hands for my blessing."

Taking the rings from Marquette they gently placed them in his hands. "May the Lord Bless these rings which you give to each other as your sign of Love, Devotion and ever lasting peace. Amen."

"As you place this ring on your partner's finger I ask that you repeat these words together.."

Ahmad placed the ring on Cali's finger as she placed the ring on his, "This ring is my sacred gift to you, A symbol of my Love, A sign that from this day forward and always, My Love will surround you, With this ring I thee wed."

Repeating after him, they both held hands smiling hard as ever. "For as much as Ahmad and Aubrey have consented together in holy matrimony and have witnessed the same before God and those present, and have pledged their faithfulness, each to the other, and have declared their love by giving and receiving Rings and by joining hands, I now, by the authority committed unto me as a minister and a priest, declare that Ahmad and Aubrey are husband and wife according to the ordinance of God, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Those Whom God Has joined together, let no one put asunder."

"May the Peace and the Unconditional Love of God surround you and remain with you now and forevermore. Amen."

Closing his bible, he smiled staring at the lovely couple. "Ahmad, you may now kiss your bride."

Pulling Cali into him she wrapped her arms around his neck with his hands wrapped tightly around his waist pressing their lips together. Sliding his tongue in her mouth, the pastor cleared his throat when they started to get carried away earning a laugh from everybody.

Pulling away, she wiped away the lip gloss on his lips. Turning to face their family and friends Marcus helped Adrian lay the broom down. Grabbing hands, she lifted her dress with her free hand and jumped over it.

"Allow me to present to you all Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair."

Everyone stood and clapped as the song Perfect Duet by Ed Sheeran played as they walked down the aisle with their bridal party following behind.

        1+1 by Beyoncé played loudly as Ahmad and Cali entered the reception hand and hand. "Make way for the bride and groom to share their first dance." The Dj spoke ino the mic.

Cali by now had changed into a whole new dress, this dress was an all white mermaid dress that Ahmad picked out himself just for the simple fact that her ass looked fat in it.

Now in the center of the dancefloor, she wrapped her arms around his neck as they swayed to the beat of the song. Laying her head on his chest she listened to his heart beat singing lowly to the words. "Cause baby we ain't got nothing without lovee and darling you got enough for the both of us."

"So come on baby, make love to me." He finished kissing her forehead.

🎶When my days look low, pull me in close and don't let me go. Make love to me. So when the world's at war, let our love heal us all right now, baby make love to me.🎶

As they danced they literally felt like the only ones in the room as the song played touching their hearts which each word. Leaning up she kissed his lips a few times, "I love you so much Mr. Sinclair."

"And I love you more Mrs. Sinclair, but how does it feel to finally be Mrs. Sinclair?"

"I've always been Mrs. Sinclair," Flipping her hair, she laughed, "Whatchu thought this was?"

"Oh well shit let me know something then," Cheesing like a little girl stuck in a donut shop, she just swayed to the beat.

"Are you happy?" She asked staring deep into his eyes, moving his hands down to her ass he gripped it, "Yeah, are you?"

Touching his beard, she pulled it. "Long as I have you in my life .. I'll always be happy."

Nodding his head, he pulled away from Cali just when the song changed to Love You Down by Ready For The World and the lights dimmed a little.

Frowning she watched as he came out of his suit jacket, exposing his muscles threw the tight dress shirt he wore tossing it off to the side. Marcus then came walking out with a chair motioning for her to sit down.

She covered her mouth knowing he was not about to do what she thought he was about to do. But sure enough when he started grinding the air, she couldn't help but squeal in excitement.

Ahmad could not dance whatsoever but it was the fact that he actually planned this out for her just because he knew it would make her smile, that touched her heart and made the moment ten times cuter.

When he walked towards her she just shook her head, wondering what he was about to do. His family and friends recorded the whole thing laughing they asses off but found the moment cute.

Straddling her lap, he held onto the back of the chair then started to grind into her when the chorus came on causing her to scream. "Oh my gosh," She mumbled covering her face.

She nearly lost her shit when H-Town Knockin' Da Boots beat came on, as she watched him unbutton his dress shirt exposing his tatted chest but he only opened it enough for her to see since kids were in the building.

"Last night I thought to back ta' when we made good love..listenin' to some Marvin Gaye, all night long. Now I want that old flame back...make these moments once again comfort..so won't, won't mmm do it for us, babe." He sang in her ear as he continued to giver her a lap dance turning her on, she knew her panties were soaked.

🎶Good lovin, body rockin' knockin' boots all night long yeah, Makin' love until we tire to the break of dawn. But oh, come on, come on and turn the lights down, and let me get on it, yeah 'Cause when I do, just me and you, it'll be so right...🎶

Everybody who was watching sang along to the words, as they clapped and shouted hyping him up.

The show didn't last much longer after that song. Ahmad just wanted to do something to show her that he didn't care if he looked like a whole fool long as it made her smile and laugh that was all that mattered.

But all Cali wanted to do was take his ass back home and give him some good lovin', but she knew they had their whole honeymoon to make love until the break of dawn.

Pulling her up from the chair she hugged him tightly. "I love you so much."

"I know you do," He laughed pulling away from the hug, to fix his shirt.

Soon other couples joined the dance floor with them when they changed the song to Get Down On It by Kool and The Gang and Aaron felt it was the perfect song to do a soultrain line too.

Everybody lined up and Cali and Ahmad went first. Cali went down the line doing the running man, while Ahmad did the NaeNae then bent over and started twerking even though nothing was moving.

Alisha then strutted down the line then bent over and started throwing ass while Shaun smacked her butt playfully then got behind her and started to do the Red Nose. "I know y'all see these children here," Ashley snapped shoving them out the way then walked down the line herself doing the Kenya twirl.

Aaron just walked down the line and waved at everybody which cracked everybody up for some reason. Kamry then walked down the line and her and Marcus did the Kid n Play.

Amir came down the line holding Nolan and just swayed to the beat and waving Nolan's little arm.

"Move out the way, a queen is coming through." Hazel announced as she started doing the pop lock and drop it. She tried getting Derek to go but he declined since he was holding their son who was sleep.

Cali didn't know what was more funny, the fact that everyone was off beat or the fact that none of em could dance but overall she was having a ball.

All the kids went together, and Adrian just ran straight through like Usain Bolt cousin full speed.

While the other kids were doing the whip, or the nae nae and jumping up and down, kid shit.

Cali laughed watching Marquette do the stanky lang wondering where he saw that dance since he wasn't even born when it came out.

After awhile she got tired of dancing so her and Ahmad took their seats at their table watching their loved ones enjoy themselves while eating some of the food Ashley and some of Ahmad's aunt helped cook.

Gripping her thigh, Cali looked over at him wondering what he wanted. "I saw whatchu did earlier for Amira, and I just really wanted to let you know that really touched my heart."

Grabbing his hand, she leaned into him. "I know you wished she could have been here and I know for a fact she would have been so proud of the man you have became. Even though she isn't here physically, spiritually she is." Kissing his lips she pulled away when she felt a tug on her dress and when she looked down to see Adrian.

Lifting him up she sat him in her lap, Ahmad reached over pinching his chubby cheeks amazed at how much he looked like her, down to the chocolate skin and all.

Eventually Armoni and Marquette joined their table, sitting all in their parents laps laughing and talking. Ahmad watched as Cali and the kids interracted and couldn't help but smile, finally feeling content with life and how it all fell into place.

He knew this was just the beginning for them but he was ready for the good and the bad that came along with the journey, and hoped it was nothing he couldn't handle.

But at the end of the day all he needed was his babies and he would be fine.

-
Thanks for the love & support
- Denise 💋